A novel aerodynamic drag-reduction mechanism using dolphin-inspired ultrasonic microvibrations.

ABSTRACT: Aerodynamic drag, particularly viscous drag, is a significant source of energy loss in aircraft, with its reduction being critical for improving overall aerodynamic performance. Here we introduce a novel strategy to reduce drag while enhancing lift-to-drag ratio by utilizing dolphin skin-inspired downstream-traveling longitudinal micro-ultrasonic waves (DTLMUWs). A turbulent drag reduction system was developed by applying DTLMUWs to the upper and lower surfaces of a NACA 0012 airfoil. Turbulent simulations at varying angles of attack (AoA) from 0° to 10° reveal that DTLMUWs excite a dynamic boundary layer that actively modulates turbulent velocity fluctuations within the viscous sublayer. This mechanism enables up to 90% reduction in total drag (friction and pressure drag), with minimal pe

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12012087 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature